Letters to the Editor for April 7, 2012

Stick with Obama, Vote for Sewell, more...

I have a question for those planning to vote for the Republican presidential candidate in November. Mitt Romney and others have said President Obama has a "failed foreign policy."

Let's see; Libya's dictator was overturned without the loss of American lives; Osama bin Laden was eliminated in daring fashion; and now Aung San Suu Kyi has won election in Myanmar (Burma). Secretary of State Clinton recently made a first-time visit in years from our government. We can't take credit for the complexity of opening Burma, but it appears we didn't influence the wrong side. And, no new war - yet.

My question to you is: "What would success look like?"

I'll take another four years of President Obama in charge, thank you.

Roz Luther

Underwood, Wash.

Vote for Sewell

I wish to endorse, in the strongest terms, the reelection of John Sewell as the Hood River County District Attorney.

I have known John since he came to the district attorney's office in 1984. We have most often been adversaries over those many years. During that time I have found his passionate prosecution of criminals and zealous compassion for victims to be tempered with fairness.

As a judge in the criminal court I have come to appreciate the extreme importance of an experienced, balanced professional prosecutor like John. Hood River simply cannot replace all the qualities that John brings to the table.

If you have an interest in continuing the firm, consistent and reasoned tradition of the Hood River County District Attorney you will again vote for John Sewell.

Thomas C. Peachey

The Dalles Municipal Court Judge

Preserve resources

As a resident of the Gorge, I object to Nestlé's proposed water bottling plant in Cascade Locks. This brings Nestlé one step closer to being able to exploit our precious natural resources.

The majority of people here in the Gorge are strongly opposed to this, for good reasons: It would hurt the salmon, a species that already faces extreme environmental pressure. It would diminish or drain our natural aquifer. It would increase truck traffic and pollution in the Gorge. And, perhaps most importantly, it would encourage the wasteful and irresponsible business of bottled water.

As a resident of the Columbia River Gorge, as a resident of Oregon, and as a resident of Planet Earth, I object to this project. Gov. Kitzhaber, please step in. Please stop this process and stop Nestlé, on behalf of this unique place.

Venka Payne

Hood River

English for sheriff

After a 15-year ordeal our family finally has resolution, thanks to Matt English! I know that Matt genuinely cares about the residents in his community, because when many people said their hands were tied, Matt went the extra distance to make sure we got the help we needed.

Matt showed a sincere desire to make sure that my family and I were safe from a threat that crossed many state lines. And he worked on creating a case for us, until we got the outcome we were striving for.

From day one, Matt worked diligently; networking, researching, compiling strong case information and educating the people along the way who weren't familiar with the problems we were facing. He stayed on board with us and saw things through until our final day in court when we were granted a life time protection order.

Today my family is resting assured, knowing that we have the law on our side, to help keep us safe. We are thankful for Matt's strong work ethic, commitment and devotion.

We vote for Matt English for Sheriff!

Julie Waldman

Hood River

Boat basin

not public

OK, I can't stand it any longer re: the folks fighting the cable park in the old Nichols boat basin. Most, if not all, of that property is privately owned, not public!

The Nichols family and now the Naito family have been very generous in letting folks use it while they developed a more productive plan for their privately owned land; now it seems everyone thinks it's public and must be maintained as such for their use at the expense of the tax-paying owners.

Whether the cable park and surrounding development fits within the commercial zone or not is the question; not if this privately owned property should be kept open for anyone to trespass. If I were the owner I think I would fence it now to preserve my investment!

G.P. Taylor Jr.

Hood River

Leos recycle bottles too

The controversy over the Nestlé water bottle plant proposed for Cascade Locks reminds me that water bottles in Oregon are recycled at a lower rate than other beverage containers. This probably relates to many of us not knowing or remembering that water bottles carry the same 5 cent deposit that beer and pop containers do.

The easiest way in Hood River to both recycle your water bottles and support local charitable activities is to bring all your deposit containers to the Saturday Leos collection.

On the first Saturday of each month (this weekend) the Leos youths collect these containers and then donate 100 percent of the deposit monies to community needs and activities. The collection is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Rosauers parking lot, and the Leos will be there rain or shine.

Bob Danko

Parkdale

Sen. Wyden turnaround

My congratulations to Sen. Wyden for his vote on a new budget for America in the coming year. While the vote was from the Republican side of the House, Oregon's senator voted for this very important future budget.

This is a very important budget as it is a start in driving America back where it belongs financially.

This vote by the senator is a vote for "America" and not for a political party. About time! I was not only pleased but amazed and gratified at this vote and my congratulations to the good senator for doing so.

Hopefully this vote will change the minds of many other senators for his side of the aisle. With the senator's vote and power in Congress, it well could do so.

I bow my head in thanks, Senator, and hopefully your attitude will start the ball moving to make America financially sound again.

Percy Jensen

Hood River

Voting thought

A wise friend in Hood River once told me, as I had just made a voting mistake, "You should not vote to remove a person who is doing a good job, simply because someone else wants the job."

Linda Rouches

Surprise, Ariz.

Vote for Hollingsworth

Many of us question the seriousness of Peter Nordbye's decision to run for the legislature in HD 52.

He has refused to work with the unions, the basic force representing middle and the working class people against employer abuse. He has refused to take donations from supporters outside HD 52, for what reason heaven only knows. He has refused donations from businesses and organizations; does he worry he might be corrupted? He will only accept donations of $50 or less.

While these may be "noble" goals, they are not very realistic. This man is tilting at windmills. If he wins the primary, will he honestly be able to compete with an opposition who spent over $500,000 in the last election? The opposition is a very well-funded Republican; if you are going to do battle with a cannon, you do not select a peashooter as your weapon.

Don't throw your vote away on an unrealistic ideal. Now is not the time to select a candidate whose main argument is an ideal that will not win. This election is too important.

Marv Hollingsworth is serious about winning both the Primary and the General Election!

Marv does not see himself as Samson to the Republicans' Goliath. Marv is serious and his aim is to win the General Election and then use his position in the Legislature to develop election reform from within. He offers his experience and knowledge of the issues that are important to the citizens of HD 52. Not only does he support the unions, they support him.

I ask you: Think this through. Look at the reality we face in the General Election. While we know corporate interests bought the winner of the last campaign and we decry the practice; that is the reality we are fighting. Throwing your vote away on an unrealistic ideal is too much of a price to pay.

Fran Mazzara

Welches

Holste for sheriff

This is being written in support of Neal Holste for sheriff.

I have 27 years of law enforcement experience and retired as a lieutenant/division commander and attended the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va. I spent 27 months as a Peace Corps volunteer in Ukraine. During the last four years I have been working with and for Neal Holste. In my experience around the world, I have seen good, bad and mediocre leaders.

Neal Holste is in a category above those; Neal Holste is an excellent leader. He leads by example, with compassion and concern. He truly cares about those he works with and the community he serves. If you vote for him to become sheriff, you will not be disappointed. Hood River County will not find a better sheriff.